1930s: The Great Depression is in full swing and millions of Americans struggle to keep their finances under control.

1950s: The booming postwar economy of the 1950s is encouraging many middle class families to move to the suburbs, although economic conditions remain difficult for many lower class families.

Today: The United States is the only economic and military superpower, and a large segment of the population continues to enjoy a prosperous economic environment despite the downturns in the economy following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

1930s: Racism and racial oppression is widespread and the Ku Klux Klan is actively lynching African Americans.

1950s: There is a great deal of racism in the United States, but the Civil Rights movement is beginning to win major legal breakthroughs, including the Supreme Court decision in 1954 to integrate all schools.

Today: All races are equal under the law but...